D. pilosus has been recorded only from the south-western Peruvian Andes in the departments of San Martín, La Libertad, Huánuco, and Junín (Pacheco et al., 1995; Gardner, 2005). It has recently been observed in the department of Amazonas (L. Bermúdez Larrazábal, pers. comm., 2009). The known localities were incorrectly mapped by Wetzel (1982), and repeated in Eisenberg and Redford (1999). It ranges from 500 to 3,000 m asl. The exact range of this species is unknown; only five locations are known to date due to the lack of field studies.

DESCRIPTION

HABITAT

This little-known species is endemic to the Peruvian yungas (sub-tropical montane deciduous and evergreen forests). It is found in areas with dense or shady cover and limestone formations. A recent analysis (Superina et al. 2014) revealed that the species has been the subject of only three scientific publications, which clearly indicates the lack of scientific information on its exact range, habitat preference, and population status.

BIOLOGY

There is no information on the biology or population status of this small armadillo species.

THREATS

This species may be threatened by deforestation of its habitat, but due to the lack of information on its exact range it is difficult to assess the impact of this threat. It is likely subjected to hunting, but there is no information on the intensity and the degree to which this constitutes a threat.

CONSERVATION

Dasypus pilosus is listed as Data Deficient because of the lack of information on its exact range, threats, and population data. It has only been recorded from five localities, but it is not known whether these records represent isolated subpopulations due to the lack of field studies. The species was previously listed as Vulnerable, but this is not considered appropriate due to the lack of data.

REFERENCES

Additional information and a complete list of references can be found in: Abba, A.M. and M. Superina (2010): The 2009/2010 Armadillo Red List Assessment. Edentata 11(2): 135-184. This article is available here. For information about the latest assessment, please visit The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.